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Arsenal, England 'handed major Bukayo Saka injury boost'

Arsenal, England 'handed major Bukayo Saka injury boost'
© Reuters
Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka could reportedly recover from his ankle injury in time for this weekend's Premier League clash with Chelsea.

Arsenal are reportedly confident that Bukayo Saka did not suffer a potentially long-term ankle problem during Sunday's Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.

The attacker was forced off in the first half of the game with Steve Cooper's side, having picked up an ankle injury, and there were concerns that he could now face a period on the sidelines.

However, according to The Sun, Arsenal are 'cautiously optimistic' that the issue is not serious, and he could even potentially feature against Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

The report claims that Saka is expected to miss out against FC Zurich in the Europa League on Thursday, but he could return for this weekend's key contest with the Blues at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal will take on Zurich, Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers in their four matches before the season breaks for the 2022 World Cup.

Bukayo Saka scores for Arsenal on October 9, 2022© Reuters

There were concerns that Saka's injury could put his World Cup spot in doubt, but he will allegedly be available for England at the competition, which is due to begin next month.

The Three Lions will open their group-stage campaign against Iran on November 21 before also taking on the United States and Wales on November 25 and November 29 respectively.

Saka has made 20 appearances for England, scoring four times in the process, and he is believed to be in a strong position to potentially start for Gareth Southgate's side in Qatar.

The attacker has been impressive for Arsenal this season, meanwhile, scoring five times and registering five assists in 17 appearances in all competitions.

Bukayo Saka in action for Arsenal on July 30, 2022© Reuters

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta addressed Saka's injury immediately after the win over Forest and said that he did not believe the Englishman had suffered a potentially long-term issue.

"Hopefully not (whether his World Cup was in doubt), It was a bad kick right from the beginning he was limping, but I don't see any further than that, let's see how it is in the next couple of days," he told reporters.

"I think both [leg & ankle] he got kicked a few times and he wasn't comfortable to continue."

Saka has scored four times and registered five assists in 12 Premier League appearances for the Gunners this season, in addition to one goal in five Europa League outings.

Arsenal's five-goal success over Forest on Sunday saw them return to the top of the table ahead of the reigning champions Manchester City.

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Written by
Matt Law

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on October 30, 2022
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